In our talented family, we have many creative artists on all sides. Jeanette Jancius Durand of Oak Park, IL, will have one of her fiber works displayed in the upcoming show, A Fine Art Quilt in Memphis, TN.

The image at left is from Jeanette's piece titled, Growing In Rasnov (24" x 24"), inspired by Gustav Klimt and her sister, a Peace Corp. Volunteer.

"This quilted wall hanging is inspired by my sister's travels to Romania as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Her first letter home was post marked Rasnov; her correspondence was about a new culture in Eastern Europe and her gaining acceptance with the people of Romania."

(Memphis, Tenn.) - A “Fine Art Quilt” is definitely not your average grandmother’s bed quilt. With the growing national interest in collecting textile art, these highly collectable works truly meet the definition of “fine art.” In a first for Mid-South art lovers, a major contemporary art quilt exhibition opens in Memphis in August.

Fine Art Quilts 2005 is a national juried competition and exhibition showcasing the best of contemporary art quilts. These original works of art are created from dyed, painted and printed fabrics, using colorful imagery, elaborate threadwork and different textures. The exhibit, which features 30 quilts from 30 different nationally known textile artists, runs August 19 through September 10 at the Jay Etkin Gallery at 409 South Main in Memphis. The public is invited to a Gala Artists Reception scheduled for August 19th from 6:00-9:00 pm. All works in the exhibition are for sale and will also be available in an exclusive on-line gallery at FineArtQuilts.org.

Fine Art Quilts 2005 is co-curated by Arlene Blackburn of Millington, Tennessee and Michele Hardy of Mandeville, Louisiana. “We are delighted to bring this incredible juried exhibition to Memphis and the Mid-South,” said Blackburn. “It’s a great opportunity for novice and experienced art collectors to have first-hand access to this quality of work. For those who are not familiar with fine art quilts, seeing these pieces in person is an incredible experience. We have the best new works from the very best textile artists in the country represented at this show.”